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Grow Your Career as a Software Expert

M.S. in Software Engineering

Earn your M.S. in Software Engineering

Our M.S degree in Software Engineering program will help you build a successful career in the dynamic software industry. With an an emphasis on theory as well as application, you will get tech-focused, cutting-edge knowledge, as well as the skills and experience needed to design, develop, implement and improve software systems. 

Whether you are looking to advance your career as a software professional or embark on a new career in software, our degree enables you to pursue your expertise or interest in systems and application development, database management, DevOps, data warehousing, project management, strategic planning, ERP, enterprise architecture, data science, network security areas.

We assess and revise our rigorous curriculum on an ongoing basis with input from CIO’s and CTO’s at employers throughout this region to respond to this dynamic industry. With over 40 graduate program courses to choose from and weeknight classes, you’ll learn all the best ways to align software engineering with business goals – while working within your busy schedule.

Why Choose Software Engineering at the University of St. Thomas?

  • Comprehensive, well-established, and industry-relevant. Graduate Programs in Software, part of the School of Engineering at the University of St. Thomas, is one of the largest, longest running programs of its kind in the U.S.
  • State-of-the-art technology skills, taught in an applied manner. Our cutting-edge software programs are the direct result of collaboration work between full-time faculty, adjunct instructors, and industry experts.
  • Countless opportunities for research, networking, and job placement. St. Thomas has deep connections with the software and technology community, as well as over 4,000 alumni from 39 states and 14 countries.
  • Classes taught by faculty with extensive industry experience. Apply what you learn immediately with an innovative curriculum that is continually updated, based on the changing needs of the industry.
  • Built for working professionals at all levels of experience. Initial coursework will depend on your experience level and background.

Contact

Graduate Student Services

Email
gradsoftware@stthomas.edu
Phone Number
651-962-5500

Coursework and Degree Requirements

The M.S. in Software Engineering requires 10 courses (30 credits). Students must maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher.

STEM Approved Program

Eight Required Courses:

  • SEIS 601 Foundations of Java I
  • SEIS 602 Foundations of Java II
  • SEIS 610 Software Engineering
  • SEIS 615 Cloud Computing
  • SEIS 616 Infrastructure as Code
  • SEIS 622 Web App Development
  • SEIS 630 Database Management Systems and Design
  • SEIS 739 Software Analysis, Design and Implementation
Two Electives: Choose two electives from any course listed in the Graduate Programs in Software course catalog.

Please note suggested course sequences assume a fall semester start. Please talk with your advisor if you have questions or starting in other semesters.

Suggested course sequence with SEIS 601:

  • Semester 1: SEIS 601 and SEIS 610
  • Semester 2: SEIS 602 and SEIS 615
  • Semester 3: SEIS 616 and SEIS 622
  • Semester 4: SEIS 630 and SEIS 739
  • Semester 5: 2 SEIS Electives

Suggested course sequence with SEIS 601 waived:

  • Semester 1: SEIS 602 and SEIS 610
  • Semester 2: SEIS 615 and SEIS 630
  • Semester 3: SEIS 616 and SEIS 622
  • Semester 4: SEIS 739 and SEIS Elective
  • Semester 5: 2 SEIS Electives

Graduate Degrees and Certificates that Work for You

Convenient Schedule

Classes are offered in-person and online weeknights from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.

View Our Course Schedule

Course Delivery Mode

All programs in the Software Engineering and Data Science department at the University of St. Thomas are offered in CoFlex mode, i.e. the student has the flexibility to attend classes either in-person or online.

Inclusions and restrictions:

  • CoFlex course delivery mode is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and students on work visas.
  • International students or students receiving certain scholarship benefits are ineligible to take the online option and must attend classes in-person.
Prospective grad student takes notes during a Zoom session

Get the Facts

Attend an Information Session

Attend an online information session to learn program details. Our programs serve working professionals with busy lives. Set your own pace and start fall, spring or summer. Classes are offered in-person and online weeknights from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. We look forward to meeting you.

REGISTER FOR A SESSION

FACULTY

All full-time tenured faculty hold Ph.D. degrees and offer extensive industry experience. Adjunct faculty are selected based on professional experience and educational credentials.

Headshot of Dr. Ron Chiang

Dr. Ron Chiang

Dr. Ron Chiang’s research interests include distributed systems, cloud computing, and high-performance computer architectures. He is especially interested in task and resource management algorithms and the design of advanced virtualization systems.

DR. RON CHIANG
Headshot of Michael Dorin

Dr. Michael Dorin

Dr. Michael Dorin’s background includes work in public safety communications, medical devices, telephony, and aircraft navigation. He participated in initial rollouts of worldwide email and document exchange systems at IBM. He started up and managed a telecommunications products company for many years.

DR. MICHAEL DORIN
Headshot of Eric Level

Eric Level

Eric Level has taught graduate software engineering and computer programming for the past 30 years. He has also consulted and done technical training for local and national companies and government agencies. His research interest is applying educational technology to software engineering education.

ERIC LEVEL

Software Engineering Career Outlook

  • In-Demand Employment Opportunities. Employment in this field is projected to grow 25 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations*.
  • Our Program Transitions Career Changers to the Field. Most career changers who enter our St. Thomas software programs, transition successfully into this field after only 2-3 semesters.
  • Financial Compensation. Median annual salary of a software engineer is $120,730 and the job of software engineer had the most job openings of any of the top 50 jobs.**
  • On-going Commitment to Learning & Leading. If you like to juggle complex projects, pivot between different work methods and keep up with the latest industry trends to provide the best digital experience possible for businesses and organizations, Software Engineering is a career to consider.  

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Software Developers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm (visited March 26, 2021).

**"2021's Hottest Careers: Glassdoor Releases the Year's 50 Best Jobs." Forbes, Jan 28, 2021.

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